Spiritual Development

Spiritual development isn’t just about going to church, or not. In children, spirituality is usually defined in bigger-picture terms as overall character development.

You help your child to develop character you teach him to respect himself, other people and all living things. Character development is about teaching good moral values like peaceful problem solving, honesty, and compassion too. Your child was born with these basic values, but he doesn’t immediately understand how to respond in every situation. He’ll develop his character over time by imitating the responses that he sees from you.

The world is full of opportunities to teach your child about good character. TV shows, video games, celebrities (even some grandpas, aunts and uncles) offer opportunities for you to talk with your child about behavior, choices and responses. Don’t be afraid to be real. Tell your child when your values agree, or conflict, with a choice that a TV character or family member has made. Tell him why, too!

As your child matures and is faced with choices and consequences, it is your example of positive spiritual development that will help him to choose the right path.